I love the idea of the mini series and felt that there was lots of potential. But the characters have no depth; and the story goes nowhere. It's like one giant build up. There's so many little things added - all of which feel incomplete for example a changing house - it doesn't add any value but it absolutely could do. The rotting ghouls and normal looking ghosts - it's unclear why it's not the same, then in one scene they get vampire fangs, and then you also have blue smoke ghosts and heads what come out of fires. Then you have random gusts, screaming rooms, sometimes has lights, sometimes doesn't, mirrors intact after windows blown out, and electrical storms! The lady professor is incredibly unconvincing and doesn't strike me as being remotely close to the role shown in episode 1 especially her demeaning manner to people "big word for a college dropout" and don't call an ambulance with a head injury. Just doesn't fit. Also all characters almost talk what is being experienced or on a screen focus which makes it feel false for example stating out loud "it's stoped". I think the musical score as well is a bit painful, little melodies with a deep base which is a reoccurring theme. All this said I don't know what else was out when it was made but it doesn't hold as good with some single season horror shows. 5/10 mainly because of far too many themes and no direction. Bad acting, and no depth of characters. It would have been a killer audio book I reckon but doesn't work well in this format.
Reviews
28 Reviews
Halo
(2022– )
First show in many reviews I give ten.
11 April 2024
There is nothing I don't like with this show, except eight episodes just simply isn't enough. The thing about the show, is it's exactly what I expect and want to see. I'm really looking forward to season 3; and hope we get to see a bit more of the troops in the field on the halo just like the CE game, and a bit more warthog action! The through the visor shots now and again make me smile, and there's some cheese which makes me laugh especially where the Master Chief is standing outside a door fighting a small army, and the question inside the room is what is that? I won't be happy until I see him hanging off a side of a ship saying something like just doing my job... The new Cortana skeptical at first but actually massive improvement, perfect now, and we need more grunts! Great good fun show, if you're a fan of the games it's perfect. I also like the little side stories, Pirates, Spartans. Personally I wasn't keen on the flood in the games but look forward to seeing it. Though feel there's a lot of halo mystery we can see the show explore, fingers crossed. Don't rush the pace, the current speed nails it. 10/10.
The Terror
(2018–2025)
Unpopular opinion S2 vs S1
7 April 2024
I can't deny the acting and the filming in season 1 was mastery. There are some particularly good scenes though some absolute naff CGI. Unlike almost everyone else I found season 2 scarier; tbh I didn't find any part of season 1 scary or psychological scary at all - I can not recall a single bit which shocked me, made me jump or left me uneasy though there were plenty of gore scenes - but I don't count those scares. Ex-RN so maybe it was absolutely as I expected and maybe not for others; and enjoyed some of the RN contributions such as using ranks, the sods opera, the stoker, and superb set detail including dress. Even the heads, they missed the skippers bath. Season 2 made me feel uncomfy late at night looking down my stairs in the dark - if the hair on your arm is standing on end you know it's had a psychological effect. Though it also has some naff CGI which was not great. Season 2 doesn't have 1/10th the same camera mastery (angles, atmosphere, etc). Season 2 I felt was a bit better paced than Season 1 - which at times was a bit slow. When I compare both seasons to some Stephen king miniseries, from, haunted hill, Bly manor etc I don't think it ranks below those. Though compared to shows like midnight club, AHS, Them, Channel Zero (all of which I also enjoy) - it certainly ranks better. I give this 7 out of 10. That's not a bad score.
I would recommend this and look forward to season 3.
Hopefully they can blend the better parts from both seasons. Let's keep this show alive though for a few more seasons after 3! 😀
I would recommend this and look forward to season 3.
Hopefully they can blend the better parts from both seasons. Let's keep this show alive though for a few more seasons after 3! 😀
Raised by Wolves
(2020–2022)
Only watched season 1
19 January 2024
The first part of the season was incredible. It was what I consider proper sci-fi, often we see things done before but this I felt was really far from other sci fi shows.
The second half of the season just feels like endless plot holes and turns a little silly. A lot of the time you ask why have they gone to that place, that decision makes no sense whatsoever, early on there was a constraint and now it's gone with no explanation.
The first part of the season is so intriguing, really makes you think about starting new on a different new planet.
Ive given this one a 6/10. I think if most of the story was rewritten for the second part of the season it would be a high 9. Acting on all parts incredible.
The second half of the season just feels like endless plot holes and turns a little silly. A lot of the time you ask why have they gone to that place, that decision makes no sense whatsoever, early on there was a constraint and now it's gone with no explanation.
The first part of the season is so intriguing, really makes you think about starting new on a different new planet.
Ive given this one a 6/10. I think if most of the story was rewritten for the second part of the season it would be a high 9. Acting on all parts incredible.
Channel Zero
(2016–2018)
Where did this come from?
5 January 2024
So Channel Zero is one of those shows which goes a bit missed I reckon, but when you find it - and watch it your hooked. It's based on Creepy Pasta; not going to lie I was skeptical thinking amateur writers vs professional show writers. How wrong I was!!
The concepts are another level, the ideas magnificent. Let's face it how many times do you watch something to see them dragged back on their belly, or a scary scene where you know someone won't jump out but the camera will pan and then it happens, or an episode where you recall the last one and it just seems chaotic. Channel Zero has absolutely none of that generic lazy writing and has an amazing base idea. The short stories work really well for a season. Maybe I would have reduced each season by 1 episode to get a 5th season but that is trivial, that would have got a 9. A 10 simply by more seasons.
The show isn't overkill on CGI. It is a perfect blend of everything. Season 2 for me was another level - what an amazing idea; nothing about that season is what you would think would happen.... This show scares without jumps.
What's let's this down is that there is only four seasons; I mean if some company bigger than SyFy took this and added on - it would be in the top completions - of course that being keeping all the staff who made it. Much respect to those.
Absolute pleasure I get to review something which I can't really fault.
I really hope this can be renewed in the future with the right publicity to really sell it for what it genuinely is. Alternatively I would love to see similar things especially those inspired by online short stories.
The concepts are another level, the ideas magnificent. Let's face it how many times do you watch something to see them dragged back on their belly, or a scary scene where you know someone won't jump out but the camera will pan and then it happens, or an episode where you recall the last one and it just seems chaotic. Channel Zero has absolutely none of that generic lazy writing and has an amazing base idea. The short stories work really well for a season. Maybe I would have reduced each season by 1 episode to get a 5th season but that is trivial, that would have got a 9. A 10 simply by more seasons.
The show isn't overkill on CGI. It is a perfect blend of everything. Season 2 for me was another level - what an amazing idea; nothing about that season is what you would think would happen.... This show scares without jumps.
What's let's this down is that there is only four seasons; I mean if some company bigger than SyFy took this and added on - it would be in the top completions - of course that being keeping all the staff who made it. Much respect to those.
Absolute pleasure I get to review something which I can't really fault.
I really hope this can be renewed in the future with the right publicity to really sell it for what it genuinely is. Alternatively I would love to see similar things especially those inspired by online short stories.
Them
(2021– )
Wanted it to be great
27 December 2023
So went into the show reading it was paranormal. I didn't even really get the race bit until later on. I wanted a paranormal tv show and was excited to see a family; in my mind I thought this was a sort of 'haunting' type series.
Then I found it uncomfortable fairly early in being just so intense, constantly - that I found it really easy to pause, to catch my breath, it's been a bit of effort to watch in honesty.
I wouldn't say I'm gripped.
For example the lynched dolls - did you see how many there were?? Then when you see the birdseye of the street and it's like how could there be that many; and it just feels like all cliche (also where I think if it is trying to appeal to empathy - it kind of fails, getting angry at the writers), other cliches like the cops, the schoolroom, the boss in the engineering dept, then episode 5 Im just not even sure it was necessary. Take walking dead for example - Negan, a baseball bat, and removal of face material - it's sort of key to many episodes beforehand and many many after - it was brutal but a key point of the storyline. Whereas episode 5 didn't add much to the story at all; in fact it sort of did it an injustice as trauma like that - I doubt she have waved a gun outside; probably more like shot every person in sight. It gave nothing to the story or building of the characters.
I'm not saying it's bad; it is intense, it's incredibly predictable, you may watch an episode and ask what has that added (except episode 1) and it's painful to watch some parts as it sort of defies realism. Acting is good by all characters imo.
By the time I got to the end of the season; I now have derated further - it's really not story rich and it's just constant extreme. I won't be watching any further seasons.
Then I found it uncomfortable fairly early in being just so intense, constantly - that I found it really easy to pause, to catch my breath, it's been a bit of effort to watch in honesty.
I wouldn't say I'm gripped.
For example the lynched dolls - did you see how many there were?? Then when you see the birdseye of the street and it's like how could there be that many; and it just feels like all cliche (also where I think if it is trying to appeal to empathy - it kind of fails, getting angry at the writers), other cliches like the cops, the schoolroom, the boss in the engineering dept, then episode 5 Im just not even sure it was necessary. Take walking dead for example - Negan, a baseball bat, and removal of face material - it's sort of key to many episodes beforehand and many many after - it was brutal but a key point of the storyline. Whereas episode 5 didn't add much to the story at all; in fact it sort of did it an injustice as trauma like that - I doubt she have waved a gun outside; probably more like shot every person in sight. It gave nothing to the story or building of the characters.
I'm not saying it's bad; it is intense, it's incredibly predictable, you may watch an episode and ask what has that added (except episode 1) and it's painful to watch some parts as it sort of defies realism. Acting is good by all characters imo.
By the time I got to the end of the season; I now have derated further - it's really not story rich and it's just constant extreme. I won't be watching any further seasons.
Star Trek: Picard
(2020–2023)
Overall enjoyable but slaughters Star Trek
3 November 2023
I really like Picard, it's enjoyable and I feel a bit more diverse with alien cultures, I like the rogue feel. I like the odd cameo's of other actors too.
That said there is stuff which is cringe worthy - for example cigars on a bridge by a captain and a crew disobeying direct orders - it's basically solo. The way Picard's crew in season 2 suddenly get ranks and access to whole starships; like the federation has no structure. Naff explanations of stuff; in one episode they talk about physically rewiring a sub routine! It's like the writers have had a 2hour crash course in Star Trek and have absolutely no understanding about it. You'd think Patrick Stewart would have had a bit of integrity there and putting it right.
The action is intense, and each episode sort of keeps you guessing and there are additional stories within the main season story which is good. Can't fault that at all. So the writers ain't bad, but they ain't Star Trek good.
The android story in season 1 is good but again towards the end feels a little like avengers and just gets painfully ridiculous in the finale. I haven't seen season 3 yet but am looking forward to it. I think this show would be better maybe having completely dropped star fleet and the federation or being a show in its own right and maybe something like the marquis so same universe but separate enough to not pollute what is Star Trek.
I don't think this is as good as strange new worlds or lower decks, it's probably just a bit better than discovery.
Given a 6/10!
That said there is stuff which is cringe worthy - for example cigars on a bridge by a captain and a crew disobeying direct orders - it's basically solo. The way Picard's crew in season 2 suddenly get ranks and access to whole starships; like the federation has no structure. Naff explanations of stuff; in one episode they talk about physically rewiring a sub routine! It's like the writers have had a 2hour crash course in Star Trek and have absolutely no understanding about it. You'd think Patrick Stewart would have had a bit of integrity there and putting it right.
The action is intense, and each episode sort of keeps you guessing and there are additional stories within the main season story which is good. Can't fault that at all. So the writers ain't bad, but they ain't Star Trek good.
The android story in season 1 is good but again towards the end feels a little like avengers and just gets painfully ridiculous in the finale. I haven't seen season 3 yet but am looking forward to it. I think this show would be better maybe having completely dropped star fleet and the federation or being a show in its own right and maybe something like the marquis so same universe but separate enough to not pollute what is Star Trek.
I don't think this is as good as strange new worlds or lower decks, it's probably just a bit better than discovery.
Given a 6/10!
The Wheel of Time
(2021– )
All the making for an amazing to show, with such a fundamental flaw
28 October 2023
The filming, music, sounds, cast, props, are very good.
You would hope this would be getting a 9 on here.
The issue I have is that it's just dull, the story is so predictable, it has so many borrowed pieces from other fantasy shows. I don't mind that so much but you just wish for something new, something not done before and novel, a twist or a really smart interweaved plot.
The writing is just a steady stream of cliche and dullness. But interestingly you still believe it's going to get better but it doesn't, and that is an achievement, because most things like this I wouldn't have made it this far.
I agree with other posts that the 2nd season is better than the first considerably. But still sort of boring. And the consistent regulating on the final war, the dark one, and wheel - it doesn't require a lot of thought to watch.
I found myself sort of wanting the main characters to die, by the 2nd season they were just annoying me. I am not sure that's right to dislike all the main characters. Moriaine is the main female lead she was top of the list I would have hoped would go, 2nd would be rand - every scene makes cringe, 3rd nyaneve who you also want to punch, and 4th lan who's is the opposite of a warrior and more a buttercup.
4 of the main characters by the 2nd season I want them to end up with a gruesome fate - and they get the most screen time. Mat gets the least and is most or at least more of a likeable character, lilac is also good, and liandrin is also very good. The others are sort of ok. Thing is they all can act well imo - just don't think the story makes them likeable because they get so much screen time and it's so dull. It almost reminds me of twilight.
Thing is I still find myself rooting for this show and want it to get better, it has the potential to get better. They just need to go away from the books I guess or employ new writers.
You would hope this would be getting a 9 on here.
The issue I have is that it's just dull, the story is so predictable, it has so many borrowed pieces from other fantasy shows. I don't mind that so much but you just wish for something new, something not done before and novel, a twist or a really smart interweaved plot.
The writing is just a steady stream of cliche and dullness. But interestingly you still believe it's going to get better but it doesn't, and that is an achievement, because most things like this I wouldn't have made it this far.
I agree with other posts that the 2nd season is better than the first considerably. But still sort of boring. And the consistent regulating on the final war, the dark one, and wheel - it doesn't require a lot of thought to watch.
I found myself sort of wanting the main characters to die, by the 2nd season they were just annoying me. I am not sure that's right to dislike all the main characters. Moriaine is the main female lead she was top of the list I would have hoped would go, 2nd would be rand - every scene makes cringe, 3rd nyaneve who you also want to punch, and 4th lan who's is the opposite of a warrior and more a buttercup.
4 of the main characters by the 2nd season I want them to end up with a gruesome fate - and they get the most screen time. Mat gets the least and is most or at least more of a likeable character, lilac is also good, and liandrin is also very good. The others are sort of ok. Thing is they all can act well imo - just don't think the story makes them likeable because they get so much screen time and it's so dull. It almost reminds me of twilight.
Thing is I still find myself rooting for this show and want it to get better, it has the potential to get better. They just need to go away from the books I guess or employ new writers.
The Winter King
(2023– )
Enjoyable; my list of likes and dislikes
24 October 2023
I have to say I like this show; I look forward to the next episode.
Things I dislike:
Things I like:
All in all - I'm giving it a good 7/10; no shame with that. There are some really good shows out there which I've given 9. So 7 is good. If they sorted out the few issues mentioned above - I'd bump it up to 8. If the story was a bit more intriguing whilst keeping the slow pace of events - it could get the 9th star of 10.
As I say worth watching, and enjoyable.
I don't care about the books or audiobooks, I want to watch a tv show and this is what I compare against other tv shows.
Things I dislike:
- Arthur is ridiculously preachy.
- The Druid and Merlin are sort of pointless and I'm not sure what they do to add value to the show.
- That there isn't enough execution, seriously the bad guys just keep walking away. It's a bit wet especially for a man never defeated in battle.
- not enough map time keeps making me google and get frustrated
- maybe a bit to much Arthur in places, a couple more fights with his close men between them disagreeing on something, having a punch up, settling it, then enjoying some grog would fix that! Some of these men are blindly following someone who realistically just fudged off for a long period of time
Things I like:
- It's interesting and feels new on the tv.
- I love all the focus of the kingdoms and how you very slowly see it come together.
- I love that Merlin is more a herbal guy than firing lightning from his finger tips (though he's story is very dull) they have the right approach to a wizard but then gave him a naff story
- the acting I think is good personally
- there is a bit of depth with the regional kings (I like the scamming bit and strategic 4moves ahead thinking - he is an awesome actor the old king your not meant to like - nails that role)
- the filming is stunning in parts, some of the visuals are lush and really adds immersion
- I like Excalibur was more a normal rusty sword than some light shining on a stone
- I liked the more barbaric bits like the pillaging, the rape, the killing an infant, the kicking your own bas****d son on the ground because your king - not so much that I liked it but more they were prepared to show it which feels right for the period in time. Not saying it needs to go full blood and guts but show works better being less fluffy.
All in all - I'm giving it a good 7/10; no shame with that. There are some really good shows out there which I've given 9. So 7 is good. If they sorted out the few issues mentioned above - I'd bump it up to 8. If the story was a bit more intriguing whilst keeping the slow pace of events - it could get the 9th star of 10.
As I say worth watching, and enjoyable.
I don't care about the books or audiobooks, I want to watch a tv show and this is what I compare against other tv shows.
Devil in Ohio
(2022)
I was hoping hill house but now I wish I read the reviews
30 July 2023
By episode 5 - nothing had happened.
The writing is pretty rubbish, doesn't really make a lot of sense, the mother Suzanne for example is so unbelievably bad a mother that it destroys the show. May the cult girl pulls off the role but by episode 5 she seems to have completely adapted to the society even knowing horror movies, baring in mind her life is making corn dolls. No sense.
There's no horror, a little suspense though predictable. The police I liked but it was slow. The cult part was well didn't seem to do much, and it had such an awful back story about Irish settlers. With no thought or mystery. Peter the father can act but it's limited by a rubbish side plot about money. Some bits are weird where crosses magically rotate, yet there's no supernatural elements in 5he story, it's like a writer said hey I have an idea let's have the crosses rotate, then we will forget it and won't explain even how this might happen, but will look cool. Found myself getting annoyed as i write this as I'm sort of getting the bait and switch comments now from others.... By episode 6 I was just cringing through it.
Recommend this being a last resort otherwise avoid.
The writing is pretty rubbish, doesn't really make a lot of sense, the mother Suzanne for example is so unbelievably bad a mother that it destroys the show. May the cult girl pulls off the role but by episode 5 she seems to have completely adapted to the society even knowing horror movies, baring in mind her life is making corn dolls. No sense.
There's no horror, a little suspense though predictable. The police I liked but it was slow. The cult part was well didn't seem to do much, and it had such an awful back story about Irish settlers. With no thought or mystery. Peter the father can act but it's limited by a rubbish side plot about money. Some bits are weird where crosses magically rotate, yet there's no supernatural elements in 5he story, it's like a writer said hey I have an idea let's have the crosses rotate, then we will forget it and won't explain even how this might happen, but will look cool. Found myself getting annoyed as i write this as I'm sort of getting the bait and switch comments now from others.... By episode 6 I was just cringing through it.
Recommend this being a last resort otherwise avoid.
Twin Peaks
(1990–1991)
Terrible links to anything modern
10 July 2023
Like so many others; I was drawn to this show by reading so many other things recommending this to the things I like. But for the life of me I cannot see how.... I got through 2 episodes painfully before giving up and I went in hoping it would be good though old.
It is 33years old; that does not phase me at all. No part do I worry about the era, clothes, or set.
Like others what bugs me the most is the horrendous acting. The lady who looses her daughter (it reminds me of a Phil Jupitus sketch where he plays an out of work actor and goes to town - her acting really is that bad). She's not the only one, the abusive boyfriend who's trailor trash and abusive is not in the slightest convincing, the polkadot tie father telling off that mental rich daughter - he's anger is so meh (it's like why did you even turn up for work today pal, you should be paying me to watch you act badly). The sheriff who has the odd word here and there, which you understand why - he is the least convincing law enforcement of a small town I've ever seen in any tv show. The women at the gas station - i was like what the hell... ok we got the message the first time she wants drapes up. The crying police officer - I mean what do you say to that?
There are a few good actors, the fbi agent who's eccentric well it comes across he is a bit special (though in places it's a bit to much especially with trees on a stakeout and to little elsewhere), the lady who owns the saw mill is good (not the redhead sister who can't act), George Hammond who weirdly is always in his airforce suit even at breakfast - George can act the pants off any role involving an airforce uniform! So 3 good actors.
Then there's some bits which frustrate me; population of 50,000 - 1 school and a ridiculously small town with a single gas station. I read why they did it and it's almost like that's OK to do as the viewers are going to be idiots. Then that mentality was kept all the way through the first 2 episodes - the distances cycling to a bar, which in the reverse direction is a car chase. The brain damaged girl in hospital who could not talk but could walk back on her own. The 2 lads fighting off 20 odd biker kids.
The show is incredibly slow; it is not because of any suspense or drama. It is painfully slow.
Like others a real pet hate is the awful music in the background. I picked up on this too and thought what the hell did they do that for. The filming is ok, I mean there's no great shots I've seen so far which have impressed me; and there was potential too - the fight, the interrogations, the death.
There really isn't much I like about it, I just don't see why so many things refer back to this show...
but bad acting, bad music/sounds, a story concept which gets an ok, visuals which get a poor to ok, pace which gets a very bad
I really can't recommend as on average it's probably bad. To me this is a perfect example of something badly executed, but I do know x files, ds9, touch of frost, the bill - all these shows were around roughly the same and none of them have the same Issues. I was hyped up by all the good reviews and really wanted this to be a gem.
It is 33years old; that does not phase me at all. No part do I worry about the era, clothes, or set.
Like others what bugs me the most is the horrendous acting. The lady who looses her daughter (it reminds me of a Phil Jupitus sketch where he plays an out of work actor and goes to town - her acting really is that bad). She's not the only one, the abusive boyfriend who's trailor trash and abusive is not in the slightest convincing, the polkadot tie father telling off that mental rich daughter - he's anger is so meh (it's like why did you even turn up for work today pal, you should be paying me to watch you act badly). The sheriff who has the odd word here and there, which you understand why - he is the least convincing law enforcement of a small town I've ever seen in any tv show. The women at the gas station - i was like what the hell... ok we got the message the first time she wants drapes up. The crying police officer - I mean what do you say to that?
There are a few good actors, the fbi agent who's eccentric well it comes across he is a bit special (though in places it's a bit to much especially with trees on a stakeout and to little elsewhere), the lady who owns the saw mill is good (not the redhead sister who can't act), George Hammond who weirdly is always in his airforce suit even at breakfast - George can act the pants off any role involving an airforce uniform! So 3 good actors.
Then there's some bits which frustrate me; population of 50,000 - 1 school and a ridiculously small town with a single gas station. I read why they did it and it's almost like that's OK to do as the viewers are going to be idiots. Then that mentality was kept all the way through the first 2 episodes - the distances cycling to a bar, which in the reverse direction is a car chase. The brain damaged girl in hospital who could not talk but could walk back on her own. The 2 lads fighting off 20 odd biker kids.
The show is incredibly slow; it is not because of any suspense or drama. It is painfully slow.
Like others a real pet hate is the awful music in the background. I picked up on this too and thought what the hell did they do that for. The filming is ok, I mean there's no great shots I've seen so far which have impressed me; and there was potential too - the fight, the interrogations, the death.
There really isn't much I like about it, I just don't see why so many things refer back to this show...
but bad acting, bad music/sounds, a story concept which gets an ok, visuals which get a poor to ok, pace which gets a very bad
I really can't recommend as on average it's probably bad. To me this is a perfect example of something badly executed, but I do know x files, ds9, touch of frost, the bill - all these shows were around roughly the same and none of them have the same Issues. I was hyped up by all the good reviews and really wanted this to be a gem.
Yellowjackets
(2021– )
PartlyGood
9 July 2023
I found it fun and entertaining but it has faults.
I really liked the flip between young and old, (thought old was better) and took me a couple of episodes to work out the links. I did find the young part a bit difficult to watch (parts were cringy not horrific just like I don't actually really want to watch this)...
Up until the episode of doomcoming I probably would have rated this 7 or 8. But that episode was so epically stupid; the party and a stag hunt and when they started howling I just wanted to tear my own skin off; I may have switched it off and came back later. I mean if there were minus numbers - that would be that episodes score.
Such a shame it took a such a complete bender in the wrong direction; up until that point it was a little like dark and from. Although with the body, crash, teddy bear, maggots, symbols, bone necklace - it is a bit slow to get to episode 8 with absolutely no links at all and actual understanding if theirs a paranormal influence, it's really lazy writing.
The older actors absolutely nail their parts, all 4 are fantastic actresses and each of the four brings something different to the show. And each play their characters without fault, convincing, entertaining, and imo award winning, but I don't think the flashbacks serve to build character depth.
The filming is really good too, I think the film crew and director did great. The sound effects and background music; some jump out like offspring, but then some soft tracks occur is the speech.
So I guess it's the writers letting the show down for me; as it doesn't really know what it wants to be or where it's heading, it scratches on concepts like they will be used when the writers run out of ideas.
So 6/10. Good but far from Great.
I really liked the flip between young and old, (thought old was better) and took me a couple of episodes to work out the links. I did find the young part a bit difficult to watch (parts were cringy not horrific just like I don't actually really want to watch this)...
Up until the episode of doomcoming I probably would have rated this 7 or 8. But that episode was so epically stupid; the party and a stag hunt and when they started howling I just wanted to tear my own skin off; I may have switched it off and came back later. I mean if there were minus numbers - that would be that episodes score.
Such a shame it took a such a complete bender in the wrong direction; up until that point it was a little like dark and from. Although with the body, crash, teddy bear, maggots, symbols, bone necklace - it is a bit slow to get to episode 8 with absolutely no links at all and actual understanding if theirs a paranormal influence, it's really lazy writing.
The older actors absolutely nail their parts, all 4 are fantastic actresses and each of the four brings something different to the show. And each play their characters without fault, convincing, entertaining, and imo award winning, but I don't think the flashbacks serve to build character depth.
The filming is really good too, I think the film crew and director did great. The sound effects and background music; some jump out like offspring, but then some soft tracks occur is the speech.
So I guess it's the writers letting the show down for me; as it doesn't really know what it wants to be or where it's heading, it scratches on concepts like they will be used when the writers run out of ideas.
So 6/10. Good but far from Great.
Agree with other comments - one of the best
1 July 2023
This episode was fantastic. Amazing that there's no space or exploring but Star Trek for me was always people working together to achieve something bigger than their selves. This episode really reminded me of why I enjoy Star Trek so much; the ideals and collaboration of different species and cultures. The episode was really cleverly written; it knew exactly where it was going from the start and took us for the ride with loads of high and lows. Only bit I didn't really like was the prosecutors logic; bit ropey for a Vulcan, but hell that didn't spoil me sitting on every word of the defence. The whole idea of a court room makes me turn away, but this episode was about ideals. Well done writers 10/10 for an episode 😁 those are very rare from me! One of the best from all series.
Tales of the Walking Dead
(2022)
A couple good episodes, most rubbish.
28 June 2023
So I loved the episode travelling across country on a bike, and the Groundhog Day episode. The alpha one I didn't enjoy but then I've always hated that character in TWD. The others also seemed a bit boring, the French one what was that about! And the documentary one a bit boring.
I mean I liked the concept but it's just not walking dead. I would have liked more rogue stories travelling. Maybe a few more establishments, inside cities, the outbreak, the military loosing the fight, but overall I'd like to see the timeline at the beginning of the episode based on the outbreak. Eg 2 years after, 8 years after, 2 weeks before.
4/10 - I've watched world beyond, fear and TWD. I don't want to see it cancelled just significantly overhauled and tied to main events in that universe.
I mean I liked the concept but it's just not walking dead. I would have liked more rogue stories travelling. Maybe a few more establishments, inside cities, the outbreak, the military loosing the fight, but overall I'd like to see the timeline at the beginning of the episode based on the outbreak. Eg 2 years after, 8 years after, 2 weeks before.
4/10 - I've watched world beyond, fear and TWD. I don't want to see it cancelled just significantly overhauled and tied to main events in that universe.
M3GAN
(2022)
Starts off good
26 June 2023
So at the beginning it started well as the doll seemed possible. At this stage I thought it was going to be psychological horror of the girl Katie. I was well geared up for this assuming anti social behaviour, and scares were going to be more which messes with the viewers emotions and principles. Genuinely thought it was going to be really clever with manipulation and in some parts of the film this is seen.
In the start - the doll seems plausible when they talk about the a17 chip, radar, infrared sensors etc. It also gets pushed and re-aligns itself similar to Boston robotics (I imagine they took it from this). So it begins very plausible. Hence I thought psychological and it would be clever, especially with the involment of the councillor/therapist and the emotive video message of the compacting using the girl for financial gain.
But then from nowhere it starts becoming really strong and moving doing backflips and moving at high speeds.
How wrong was I!! Now it's become as unrealistic as terminator with a feel mimicking child's play.
All of the sudden little servo motors in fingers and now beyond strong,. Then affecting electricity; because Wi-Fi can do that (sigh) and hacking into fire alarm panels and sports cars.
It felt the movie didn't really know what it was, and because of that - it did all things badly. Have to say I'm pretty gutted, I think it could have gone either way I mentioned well with good writers.
The CGI was brilliant, if it hadn't of been this would have probably got 3/10 as the story is that bad. Shame!
In the start - the doll seems plausible when they talk about the a17 chip, radar, infrared sensors etc. It also gets pushed and re-aligns itself similar to Boston robotics (I imagine they took it from this). So it begins very plausible. Hence I thought psychological and it would be clever, especially with the involment of the councillor/therapist and the emotive video message of the compacting using the girl for financial gain.
But then from nowhere it starts becoming really strong and moving doing backflips and moving at high speeds.
How wrong was I!! Now it's become as unrealistic as terminator with a feel mimicking child's play.
All of the sudden little servo motors in fingers and now beyond strong,. Then affecting electricity; because Wi-Fi can do that (sigh) and hacking into fire alarm panels and sports cars.
It felt the movie didn't really know what it was, and because of that - it did all things badly. Have to say I'm pretty gutted, I think it could have gone either way I mentioned well with good writers.
The CGI was brilliant, if it hadn't of been this would have probably got 3/10 as the story is that bad. Shame!
Knock at the Cabin
(2023)
I found the movie really good, not read book.
25 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the movie was actually really good. I've not read the book. I thought it was a really good setup; though the four people I got the bible link within in the first disaster.
Agree with some of the comments that a few twists would be good, and a bit more horror. What I didn't really understand was the pre-recordings and why the disasters were not told.
That said despite the failings, the movie is entertaining. Left me thinking what I'd do.... Weirdly in both setups, as a decider and a visionary. I enjoyed it, shows a film can be made without ridiculous CGI.
All too often I find reviews on here slating films for not being as good as a book. But I think they are very different as a book bends more to an imagination and is much longer. 7/10 is a pretty fine score.
Agree with some of the comments that a few twists would be good, and a bit more horror. What I didn't really understand was the pre-recordings and why the disasters were not told.
That said despite the failings, the movie is entertaining. Left me thinking what I'd do.... Weirdly in both setups, as a decider and a visionary. I enjoyed it, shows a film can be made without ridiculous CGI.
All too often I find reviews on here slating films for not being as good as a book. But I think they are very different as a book bends more to an imagination and is much longer. 7/10 is a pretty fine score.
Evil Dead Rise
(2023)
I feel like I'm missing something (very minor spoilers)
20 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So I noticed a couple others said about thirty minutes in - this movie becomes a big meh. I have to agree; I am at a bit of a loss as it was very predictable. I can't call this scary neither psychological or jump scares, there are a couple of gross scenes involving flies, beetles, glass (I think they're beetles). Those are a bit vile, but reiterate not scary. The cgi is pretty naff - and probably would have benefited from removing altogether. It's also partial paranormal. Like some things are possible, yet some things arnt. Levitating and walking on ceilings is a go, along with superhuman strength but not snapping a security chain retaining a door. I found it a little slow in places, altogether feel like Im still missing something.
The Tomorrow War
(2021)
Cheesy fun
7 June 2023
Oh it's got a little of everything, sci-fi, drama, action, love. Doesn't really know what it is.
It doesn't stand out on the sci-if list but overall I found it really enjoyable. Proper cheesy in bits. Sure the story is a bit naff, and there's times where you wonder how possibly did that person know that....
Had to laugh as yet again Russia started it lol
I think it would have been greatly improved putting a bit more science into it and making it a bit more dark. But the cheese makes up for it with some quotes like 'I love this kid', 'I'm going to choose how I die' and plenty more...
Technology is very unbalanced like the invention of the wormhole, with weapons and vehicles which don't match that advancement. Notably only 30years.
Popcorn and an easy movie to enjoy without too much thought. Expect enjoyment with a sound system but expect no Oscar nominations.
It doesn't stand out on the sci-if list but overall I found it really enjoyable. Proper cheesy in bits. Sure the story is a bit naff, and there's times where you wonder how possibly did that person know that....
Had to laugh as yet again Russia started it lol
I think it would have been greatly improved putting a bit more science into it and making it a bit more dark. But the cheese makes up for it with some quotes like 'I love this kid', 'I'm going to choose how I die' and plenty more...
Technology is very unbalanced like the invention of the wormhole, with weapons and vehicles which don't match that advancement. Notably only 30years.
Popcorn and an easy movie to enjoy without too much thought. Expect enjoyment with a sound system but expect no Oscar nominations.
Virtual Death Match
(2020)
Beyond awful and lazy
7 June 2023
Normally I can accept a budget film, and 3.5/5 stars, in fact I don't mind a movie with no effects or glam. This movie can be summed up by one word - lazy.
The story script and acting are both beyond awful.
Just listening to what they are saying is painful, but the actors inability to act, look sincere and even portray facial expression made me want to get into VR and cut myself up with a chainsaw.
Bad guys are the scarecrow, the nun, and the mime. The writer or writer has zero thought. From the outset it's going to be very predictable. I've no idea what others are talking about on here or how much they were paid.
Lasted all of 15minutes.
The story script and acting are both beyond awful.
Just listening to what they are saying is painful, but the actors inability to act, look sincere and even portray facial expression made me want to get into VR and cut myself up with a chainsaw.
Bad guys are the scarecrow, the nun, and the mime. The writer or writer has zero thought. From the outset it's going to be very predictable. I've no idea what others are talking about on here or how much they were paid.
Lasted all of 15minutes.
The Walking Dead
(2010–2022)
Thanks to the cast and film crews, story writers
10 February 2023
Don't often ever write much like this - but I have enjoyed the show for twelve years. I've never felt like any episode has ever wasted my time and have always been eager to the start of the next season. I think the cast all the way through, every character has always bought something new to the show, and I love the way depth of the characters is explored. The show I think shows the worst and the best of people, forget the dead - that's what's it's all about. The writers gave it an ending it deserved, really focusing on the relationships and family (the ending being the last few episodes). The cast and production teams made it.
1899
(2022)
It's a Netflix show
3 February 2023
Everything about it feels Netflix. If you watched it - you would instantly know it belongs to Netflix opposed to hbo, Disney, Prime.
By episode 2 you know it's not getting renewed in good old Netflix style too!
The intro to the show has no thought. The music selection throughout the show has all my music I like and is in the complete wrong show. It's like the polar opposite of umbrella academy which soundtrack works so very well. It doesn't fit into place, doesn't come at the right time. Then throughout if you listen has weird sound effects, like random panting.
The story / well it's just rubbish. I mean it wasn't entertaining or special, very predictable and loads of characters which have no real part of the show.
The visuals - again these are nothing special and just seems to be the same areas back to back (boat docking, outside the old house, the same corridor). The pyramid concept doesn't fit in.
Acting - I feel the actors were done an injustice on this show. They all act fairly well but just don't have the capacity within the story.
I would avoid by midway through the season you just want it to end.
By episode 2 you know it's not getting renewed in good old Netflix style too!
The intro to the show has no thought. The music selection throughout the show has all my music I like and is in the complete wrong show. It's like the polar opposite of umbrella academy which soundtrack works so very well. It doesn't fit into place, doesn't come at the right time. Then throughout if you listen has weird sound effects, like random panting.
The story / well it's just rubbish. I mean it wasn't entertaining or special, very predictable and loads of characters which have no real part of the show.
The visuals - again these are nothing special and just seems to be the same areas back to back (boat docking, outside the old house, the same corridor). The pyramid concept doesn't fit in.
Acting - I feel the actors were done an injustice on this show. They all act fairly well but just don't have the capacity within the story.
I would avoid by midway through the season you just want it to end.
Alice in Borderland
(2020– )
Wow not what I expected
1 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought the show was going to be a dive. The first episode I think is the most naff as it is setting the scene fairly badly. Post that episode Season 1 is really good. Season 2 I thought was much more fun. I've been glued to the show since watching and there is very little I dislike. If I had to pick one thing - in both seasons it almost felt to fast. I appreciate these are based on the manga comics. Season 2 I would have loved to watch all the face card games, I mean what happened with the queen of diamonds car park game, or the animal in the king of hearts? So that would be my only improvement. A bit more depth especially with the forest and elephants. Why could they not raid shops for food, did it all rot? Season 1 I felt the beach happened to soon - it was an instant step change going from games into the beach hotel. What was the underground? Power grid? Was there more which could have been explored especially with the friendship (that almost felt like a season with the beach as the second). What was that IT hub in the subway. We're there more? Then you have the sword guy and the rubbish gun guy (the translation failed it here) but maybe more subtle story plots could of made those characters instead of stupid ideas with ropey back stories. I almost think this as a whole could have been spanned over 4 seasons with better story improvements - I think it was almost to strict to the comics. With the changes I would be rating ten stars, but 8 stars with its faults is not a shabby score. So if your reading this and haven't watched it - then do! What I loved most was the ingenious games, and I loved the concept of game genres based on card set and number difficulty resulting in days. Those heart games wow what a mind blower (literally)! Loved the blimps in season 2 which was a real nice touch and that the characters independently cleared separate games going their separate ways. I felt the bosses had good back stories king of clubs with his team, queen of spades living in the moment, king of diamonds being a lawyer, just great! Much better than the back stories in Season 1 at the Beach. Netflix best have a season 3! What a surprising show.. really think Netflix preview screener and plot fails to do it justice. Season 2 is better than Season 1 but not season 1 prior Beach being surreal with an abandoned city.
Lockwood & Co.
(2023)
Not for most adults
30 January 2023
I love supernatural shows and this came up, never read the books. By Episode 2 you realise the interactions between the characters are painfully childish. The idea was good I thought each person having unique skills, and agency's, but everything is so ridiculously dramatic constantly. The random waving of swords felt silly. I can imagine this being entertaining for a young teen. By the episode with the monks I had to stop watching as the story lacked depth, the interactions with the inspector deprac felt like it lacked depth and sincerity. CGI is good in places, the ghosts well I guess would be ok for young teens.
Multiverse
(II) (2019)
Just terrible
10 December 2021
Lacks all science in the science fiction.
Entangled with bad acting and unconvincing love story's. What is meant to be brilliant scientist but don't act like it in the slightest. The movie was challenging to watch all the way through and I'm so open to SciFi movies but this was just painful. Such a waste.
Entangled with bad acting and unconvincing love story's. What is meant to be brilliant scientist but don't act like it in the slightest. The movie was challenging to watch all the way through and I'm so open to SciFi movies but this was just painful. Such a waste.
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